County seeks full-time extension agent

The Eddy County Commission has decided to hire a full-time extension agent. Former NDSU Extension Agent Tim Becker opted to participate in the college’s voluntary separation incentive program and leave his position as of May 15. However, the commission hired Becker part-time to assist during the summer to ensure that the 4-H program and Steam Threshers event would have coverage.

Now commissioners say it’s time to move on.

”I think a county agent is critical to our organization, our farming community and to our 4-H program” Dave Gehrtz said. “Personally I’ve used the county agents here a lot.”

Becker’s part-time position will end Oct. 12. Immediately thereafter, the commission will begin the process of hiring a new full-time agent for the county.

Recent rains are causing road issues throughout the county. The Eddy County Water Board Chairman Kenny Reis reported that Rocky Run is 10 ft. high and rising. He said the water board was participating in a joint conference call with Foster and Wells counties later that morning to address the matter.

Close Construction brought in clay to stabilize Eddy County 1 from Bensons to Dodds, a 3 ½ mile stretch. The total cost was just under $5,700.

More gravel is needed at the fairgrounds. Commissioner Dave Gehrtz said he requested asphalt millings from the city water project to use. He said that material would form a more stable base.

Contractors hauling for the City of New Rockford’s water project are using Eddy County 3 in the rain, taking a toll on the road. According to commissioners, there is no haul agreement in place. The trucks are loaded with pea rock on the way into town, and excavation material on the way out. Commissioner Glenda Collier will address the matter with them. At minimum, trucks should not haul in the rain.

It is important that contractors enter into a haul road agreement and abide by the rules. Road Superintendent Todd Weber said that he understands time constraints, but that it’s important for anyone hauling to use their heads and not do things that can severely damage the roads. He noted that he has seen farmers take extra precautions in light of the wet conditions. “People are trying,” Weber said.

According to Weber, there isn’t much more the county crews can do now but wait. “The longer we can drain, the better things are for roads and culverts,” he said. He noted that a late freeze up would be ideal, giving the water time to drain after all the rain.

The commission participated in a joint conference call with Pierce, Ramsey and Benson counties to review and approve the Lake Region District Health Unit’s budget for 2020. The $4,138,000 budget includes funding for a variety of important programs, including environmental health, immunizations, Medicaid and Women’s Way. Eddy County’s portion is $64,799.

The final 2020 budget for the county was also approved. Nothing had changed from the preliminary budget presented at the hearing on Sept. 17.

State’s Attorney Ashley Lies reported that due to increasing caseloads, the state will add a second master calendar date each month to Eddy County District Court in 2020. She said that often there isn’t time to get through the numerous initial appearances, hearings and other items, resulting in delays of scheduled hearings.

Six beavers were trapped along Warwick Dam near Eddy County 8 in the past couple of weeks, but their handiwork remains. Weber reported that they now need to remove the dams at an estimated cost of over $10,000. Federal trappers suggested that they blow three existing areas, two on the east side and one on the west, for $200 each. They may need four hits, for a total of $800. The Eddy County Water Board appeared before the commission to discuss the matter. They authorized Weber to order the work done and agreed to pay up to $800 for removal.

The estimated county investment for dam removal in the road right-of-way is $9,550, which involves cleaning out debris from a culvert and removing the dam that was built on top and in front of it. They also need to do some inslope repair once the dam is removed. The work was delayed to allow water to drain after the recent rains.

Commissioners reviewed three material quotes from Cash & Carry Lumber for repair of the County Shop in Hamar. They compared the costs and benefits of foam, blandex board and steel. The consensus was to remove and replace the insulation and install a new ceiling using steel. They will seek labor estimates and then plan to do the work later this fall or winter, as it is an indoor project that will not be affected by weather conditions.

There is only ONE delinquent tax property slated for auction this November. The lots in Hamar township are valued at $210. The commission agreed to set the selling price equal to the back taxes owed, which is $58.26. The objection hearing is set for Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. If there are no objections, the property will be sold at auction on Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.

The next meeting is set for Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 8:30 a.m. The commission plans to go out to the fairgrounds sometime during the meeting to review electrical work underway.